Chicago Cubs continue riding the strength of their starting rotation

Chicago Cubs getting a lot of quality from their big three

But it’s not like Hamels is doing this all by himself. The Chicago Cubs starting rotation has been this team’s anchor through the ups and downs all season long – especially in recent weeks.

Entering action Saturday, Cubs starters are tied for the second-lowest earned run average in the National League, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers. They’ve also limited opponents to a .693 OPS – a mark that, again, only trails Los Angeles among NL starting rotations.

Jon Lester tore out of the gate this spring, looking like an early Cy Young candidate after he pitched to a 1.16 ERA through May 12. After a couple of clunkers, the Cubs’ gritty ace bounced back earlier this week, tossing seven innings of one-run ball in a win against the Angels.

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks had a case for National League Pitcher of the Month honors in May, turning in one of the best single-month performances of his career. That month, he pitched to a 1.81 earned run average – including an 81-pitch complete game shutout against St. Louis on May 3.